Folding machine controls



Sept. 15, 1953 as, KAGAN 2,652,246

' FOLDING MACHINE CONTROLS Filed May 8, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 D @D u FIG. lo

. INVENTOR l2" ll BENJAMIN s. KAGAN, DECEASED. m m BY ESTHER E. KAGAN a ZENA KAGAN, HEIRS.

A TTORNE Y Sept. 15, 1953 Filed May 8, 1953 B. S. KAGAN FOLDING MACHINE CONTROLS BENJAMIN 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 N no VEN R. ED.

HEIRS M m s. KAGAN, DECEAS BY ESTHER E. KAGAN & NA 5. KAGA A TTORNE Y B. S. KAGAN FOLDING MACHINE CONTROLS Sept. 15, 1953 Filed May 8, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR BENJAMIN S KAGAN, DECEASED.

BY ESTHER E. KAGAN -8 ZENA S. KAGAN,HE|RS.

BY Mu A TTORNE Y Sept. 15, 1953 B. s. KAGAN 2,652,246

' I FOLDING MACHINE CONTROLS Filed May 8, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR BENJAMIN 's. KAGAN, DECEASED.

BY ESTHER E. KAGAN 8|ZENA S. KAGAN HEIRS.

B za flh A TTORNE Y Sept. 15, 1953 B. s. KAGAN 2,652,246

FOLDING MACHINE CONTROLS Filed May 8, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 4| Illlliiu'i 87 as 83 85 e4 NVENTOR BENJAMIN S. KAGAN,DECEASED BY ESTHER E.KAGAN 8 ZENA S. KAGAN HEIRS A TTORNE Y Patented Sept. 15, 1953 2,652,246 FOLDING MACHINE CONTROLS Benjamin S. Kagan, deceased,

Island, 111., Kagan,

by Esther E. Kagan Rock Island, 111., heirs,

late of Rock and Zena S. assignors to American Machine and Metals, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Continuation of application Serial No. 722,252,

January 15, 1947.

1953, Serial N0. 353,872

32 Claims. 1

This is a continuation application of application Ser. No. 722,252,.and this invention relates to folding machine controls, and more particularly to means for automatically locating on articles, which may vary in length and are carried on a conveyor, points that represent definite fractions of the length of each particular article, e. g., the quarter point, the mid point, or the three quarter point. These articles may be of foldable nature, such as bed sheets, in which case the means for locating said points may be combined with means for folding the article at the points located.

More particularly the invention relates to the timing means required to provide for such a delay in the actuation of the locating or folding means that the actuation takes places when the desired proportional point of the sheet or the like arrives at the locating or folding device.

In machines of this kind the locating or folding device is to be arranged some distance beyond a measuring element which is controlled by the travelling article to be marked or folded itself. During the time the article travels in contact with said measuring element the timing mechanism times the means for actuating the locating or folding device in such a manner that that device will become actuated at the moment when a desired fraction of the length of the ar 'ticle, such as a quarter thereof, has just passed beyond this locating or folding device. Where there is a second locating or folding device, the correction in the timing of the means which are to actuate the second locating or folding device is such that the actuation of that second locating or folding device will not take place before a second point of the article, representing another fraction of the length thereof, such as one half or three quarters, has reached said second locating or folding device In certain hitherto known sheet folding machines timing means are used which include a plurality of driving means each operating at a different speed, the ratio of these speeds being proportional to that part of the delay to be imposed on the locating or folding means by the particular timing means because of the length of the article.

It is an object of this invention to provide in a machine of the general character mentioned timing means including an axially displaceable timing spindle which is positively driven at either of two speeds by the temporary engagement of one of several gears carried by said spindle with one of several driving gears which are permanently driven at speeds bearing a desired speed relationship to each other.

This application May 8,

Another object of the invention is to provide a plurality of timing devices, each complete in itself, which are started for successive and independent operation as articles to be measured, 8. g. bed sheets, arrive in succession as the aforementioned measuring element.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method of dividing articles of varying length into equal parts wherein the length of each article is measured by an individual timing unit and several individual timing units are put into operation in succession by the arrival of one article after the other at a fixed measuring point and another timing unit is pre-conditioned for operation each time one of these timing units has finished its measuring action.

Another object of the invention is to provide a sequence relay for putting into readiness for operation one of several separate timing devices after another, whenever an article, e. g. a sheet to be folded, leaves the measuring element.

It is another object of the invention to provide in each timing device a pair of timing units and to put those pairs of timing units under the control of a sequence relay to condition a different pair of timing units for subsequent operation each time a sheet or the like article leaves the measuring element.

It is a further object of the invention to provide in a timer a vertical spindle which is axially displaceable between an upper, an intermediate, and a lower position and which is lifted from its intermediate position into its upper position by means of a lifting solenoid, whereas it assumes its lower position under the action of gravity when it is released by said lifting solenoid.

Still a further object of the invention is to provlde a common lifting solenoid for a pair of timmg units so that both units of that pair will start their operation simultaneously.

It is another object only after the spindle has performed a full revolution from its starting point.

Another object of the invention is to connect the timing shafts of the pair of timing units coordinated to one lifting solenoid by means of a beam pivotally mounted on the armature of the lifting solenoid so that the two timing shafts may be returned from their lower position to itsheir intermediate position of height at different imes.

Other objects and features of the invention will appear as the description proceeds, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of example, the invention in its application to sheet folding machines, and in which:

Fig. 1 shows in a diagrammatic manner an electric circuit for a plurality of timer units with means for successively selecting and actuating these units, two separate folding means being indicated as being controlledby theseunits;

Fig. 1a shows a modification using a single folding knife for producing'a plurality of folds;

Fig. 2 shows in an elevational view, partly in section, one constructional embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectionalong the line 3-3 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section along the line 4-4 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a sectional bottom view on the line 5-55 in "Fig. 2;

Fig.6 is a verticalsection on line G -ll "in ms 5;

Fig. '7 is a sectional'plan view on the line l -l in'Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is a section on the line 3il in 7;

and

Fig. 'Qis aside elevation of'the drive shown at the right end of Figs.'2 and 3.

Referring firsttol ig. 1,10 denotes a conveyer belt which'is driveninthe directicnof the "arrow shown at the right end of Fig. 1. "An article f3, 'eQg. a bed sheet, 'fed to the conveyer belt l "fromlthe right willbe carried by the belt towards'the left under locating or folding members indicated at l l and i2. Extending into the path of the article i3 as it is carried along by the "belt Hlis a finger Mwhich forms one arm of a'three-arined'lever pivoted ati'5 and having arms 14,16, l8. Tothe second arm'lfi of thatthree-a'r'm'e'd lever a spring i1 is attached, whereas the third arm (8 carries a switch element). The spring ll tends to keep the three-armed lever l4, l6, It in the position shown in which thelsw'itch element l9 rests against a fixed contact. 'Upon' thefro'nt end or "a sheet l3 carried along by"the'conve'yer belt arriving at the finger M from the right the sheet depresses thisj finger, whereby the'three-arr'n'ed lever M, 16,18 is swung about the pivot 15 incount'erclockwise direction ajgainstthe action of the spring H. The element 19 is thereby moved'away from the contactfllto make contact with another fixed contact 2|. The switch element ii! is connected by means of a conductor 22 to one terminal-of an'elec-tric current supply whose other terminal is connected by a conductor 23 to a point 24 from which a conductor 25 leads to switches 26, 21 and-23 arranged in parallel. Each of the switches 26,21, 28 is connected in series respectively to one of'three solenoids-29, 3B, 31. which arearra-nged in parallel between the conductor 25and=a conductor '32, the latter connecting to the contact 2|.

The switches 26, 21, 28 are normally open and each may be closed by *means of one of three cam disks 33,34 and 35secured to a shaft. Each cam disk 33, 34, 35 is provided with at least one cam and in the example showncomprises two diametrically'arranged cams. The radial positions of these cams are so staggered that each cam disk 33, 34, 35 will close its coordinated switch26; 21,28, respectively; in a 'difierent radial position of the shaft. Secured to the shaft 36 is also a star or ratchetwheel' 31 which has six rest source tnrough teeth and is actuatable by means of a pawl 38" forming part of, or secured to, the armature 3B of a solenoid 39. The armature carrying the pawl 33 is pivoted at 40. Oneend'of the winding of the solenoid 39 is connected to point 24 of the conductor 25, whereas the other end of said solenoid winding is connected to contact 20.

When the-finger I4 is depressed from its raised position'the switch element [9 establishes a circuitektending from-the one terminal of the ourthe line 22, switch element l9, contact-2|, lead 32, through that particular "s'olenoi'd'29, '30, or3l'which happens to be inserted into'the circuit depending on which switch 26,

*21,or'28,isclosedatthe time, and through the conductors 25 -and 2'3 back to the current source.

lnthep'osit-ien o'f the parts shown in Fig. 1, cam

35, which is coordinated to solenoid 3 l, keeps the switch 28 closed, whereas cams 33 and 34 permit the switches 26 and 21 to stay open, leaving the solenoids 29 and30 cle-energized. "The finger! remains depressed as long as the *sheet'l3is-travelling over that finger. 'When the rear end of the sheet 13 leaves the finger M the three-armed lever l4, l6, l8 is-'freeto be turned clockwise by the spring I1 whereby the switch element I 9 carried by the arm it breaks thebontact at '2l and establishescontact at'20. This cuts out "all three solenoids 29, 30, and 3l and"estal olishes'a circuit extending from the one terminal of i the current source throughthe lead 22 to the switch element l9, through said element I S to'contact 20 and from here through the solenoid '39 the conductor 23 back to the currentsource. 'The solenoid 39 being thus-energizedpdlls-down its armature 3B whichbymeansof the "pawl 38 turns the star wheel 31 one tooth. Therebythe shaft 36 is turned acertainangular amountgin the example shown 60, which brings the cams 33,34, and 35 into a position in "which'they open switch 28, close switch 26, and leave open switch 21. Upon thearrival of another sheet l3 atthe finger M, the latter is presseddown again, moving the switch element [9 to'contact 2!. Since now, on account of the switch 26 being closed, the solenoid 29 is inserted'intothe circuit, this solenoid 29 will become energized 'an'dremain so energized until the rear end of the sheet l3"passing over the finger l4 leaves the latter "and thereby permits the spring I! to'inovethe switchelement from contact 2| to contact20. Inso switching from contact'2i to contact 2tl,"-th'e switch element l9 breaks the circuit containing the solenoid 29 and re-establi'shes the oircuitthrough the solenoid 39. 'T-he latter, -by operating the pawl 38, turns the star wheel'ill and the parts connected thereto for another 60 angle, preconditioning thereby another of the three solenoids 29, 30 and 3|, in this case the solenoid iifi.

Each of the three solenoids29, QU-ahd'ill forms part of a separate timing device, the three m ing devices to be put into operation in succession and each timing device actuating a number of folding devices. ln Fig. 1 twofoldingdeirices ll, l2 are shown, eaeh timing device operating a solenoid I I coordinated to' folding device i i when one predetermined point of a sheet I 3 or the like arrives under that folder- H and a-solenoid l2 coordinated to'folding -device l2 when another predetermined. point of that sheet arrivesunder the folder I2.

It is to be noted that while the invention is shown in Fig. 1 as controlling 'two independent devices, ll, l2, the*apparatus could-actuate-additional devices by making'each solenoid control 5 more than two timing devices. The invention is likewise applicable to that type of folding machine having a single folding knife that assumes two folding positions, such as is shown in Patent No. 1,607,407. In this type of folding machine the single folding knife, as shown in Fig. 1a at I 20, may be drawn into one position by an operating member shown in Fig. 1:1 as a magnetic coil II and drawn into the other position by another operating member, here shown as a magnetic coil I2". To each coil II" and I2" of Fig. 1a belongs a set of timing units in the same manner as has been described in connection with the coils II and I2 shown in Fig. 1.

In the following description of Figs. 2 to 9 it is assumed that the folders II and I2 shown in Fig. 1 or I20 shown in Fig. 1a are to be operated so that folder I I is actuated, or folder I20 is moved into one of its two active positions, when the first quarter of the length of the sheet I3 to be folded has passed beyond said folder I I or the first position of folder I20, whereas a second fold is made by the folder I2 in the case of Fig. 1, or by the folder I20 in the case of Fig. 1a, when A of the length of the sheet I3 have passed beyond said folder I2 or I20, respectively. Since there is a plurality of solenoids 29, 30, 3| coordinated to the folding device I20 or devices II, I2, which solenoids act in succession, a second or third sheet may pass the length measuring finger I4 without waiting until the first timing unit has completed the task of folding the first sheet and that sheet has completely passed through the folding machine. The sheets to be folded may. therefore, follow each other as closely as desired.

Regardless of which of the three solenoids 29, 30, 3| is inserted into the circuit, the locating or folding devices are actuated in the same manner on the basis of a delayed timing which not only enables the piece of work I3 to travel from the measuring point I4 to the locating or folding points II and I2, respectively, but also to properly position first the first folding point of the sheet or the like in register with the first locating or folding device and then successively following folding points in register with successive locating or folding devices so that the sheet or the like will be divided into the parts desired. In Fig. 1, C denotes the point fold, and D the point at which a second fold is to be made. The first folding is to be carried out upon energization of the coil II (or the coil II" in the case of a folding device of the kind shown in Fig. 1a) and the second folding upon energization of the coil I2 (or I2"). The distances of the points C and D from the front end A of the sheet I3 are indicated as L and dL, wherein L denotes the length of the sheet to be folded and c and d are constants depending upon the type of the folding devices used and the number of folds desired. To reach the locating or folding device I I the front end A of the sheet I3 has to travel the distance a and to reach the device I2 the distance 17, which distances are to be chosen great enough to permit the mechanism to take into account, prior to the actuation of the devices II and I2, the maximum length of sheets I3 the machine is supposed to handle.

In the structural embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 2 to 9 there are mounted on a base plate 4| three frames 42 supporting each an intermediate frame 43. Upon each frame 43 one of the solenoids 29, 30, and 3| is mounted. Each of these solenoids has an armature 44 carryfront end of the sheet or other of the piece I3 at which a first ing a pin 45 at its lower end. Each pin carries a U-shaped beam 46, 41 and 48, respectively. Whenever one of the three solenoids 29, 30, or 3| is energized, one of the three beams 46, 41, or 48 is elevated. Each of the beams 46, 41, 48 controls the vertical position of a pair of vertical spindles, beam 46 being connected with spindles 49 and 50, beam 41 with spindles 5| and 52, and beam 48 with spindles 53 and 54. Since the three timing mechanisms coordinated to the three solenoids 29, 39, 3| are of identical construction only the timing mechanism which belongs to one of the three solenoids 29, 30, 3 I, namely solenoid 29, and which is shown in Fig. 4, will be described in detail.

According to Fig. 4, the spindle 49 is journalled in the base plate 4| by means of a bushing 55 and in the frame 42 by means of a bushing 56 inserted into a collar 51 formed on the frame 42. Similar bushings 53 and 59 are provided for the spindle 50. Secured to the spindle 49 by means of an upper collar 60, a lower collar GI, and a key 62 are two coupling members 63 and 64 which may be held together by rivets 65 or be otherwise so connected as to act in unison. The coupling member 63 is in the form of a face gear mesh with a face gear 61 of an upper counter coupling member 68, whereas the lower coupling member 64 has a face gear 69 adapted to engage a face gear 10 formed on a lower counter coupling member 1|. The upper counter coupling member 68 is secured by rivets 12 to a gear 13, whereas the lower counter coupling member 1| is attached by means of rivets 14 to a gear 15. Between the gears 13 and 15 there is arranged a cylindrical sleeve 16 surrounding the coupling members and counter coupling members just mentioned and a similar sleeve 11 extends between an upper gear 18 and a lower gear 19 arranged coaxially with the spindle 50. The gears 13, 15, 18 and 19 are all driven from a shaft which carries a sprocket wheel 8| (Fig. 3 and Fig. 9). This sprocket wheel may be driven by a sprocket chain which is not shown and which may connect to the pulley 62 indicated in Fig. 1 in order to rotate the shaft 80 at a speed which is always proportional to the speed at which the work I3 to be folded travels. The shaft 86 carries a bevel pinion 83 which meshes with a bevel gear 84 on a vertical shaft 85. Fastened to the shaft 85 is a hub 86 of a gear 81 which engages the gear 15. Thus the gear 15 below the sleeve 16 is constantly rotated at a speed that may be called full speed, it being understood that this full speed under the finger varies. Another gear 83 of smaller diameter than gear 81 is secured to the;

same shaft 85 and, by means of idlers 89 and 93, rotates the gear 13. In Fig. 3 gear 13 lies di-- rectly above gear 15. In the example shown, the diameter of the gear 88 is chosen 75 per cent of the diameter of the gear 81, in order to rotate the upper gear 13 at a speed which is '75 per cent of the speed at which the lower gear 15 revolves. Still another gear 9! is fastened to the shaft 85, the diameter of the gear 9| being 25 per cent of that of the gear 81. By means of idlers 92 and 93 the gear 9| rotates the upper gear 18 surrounding the shaft 50 at one-fourth of the full speed. The lower gear 19 surrounding the shaft 5|] is driven from the same gear 81 which drives the lowergear 15 surrounding the shaft 49 so as to revolve at the same full speed as gear 15.

Fig. 4 shows the spindles 49 and 50 in the intervaries as the speed of the travelling belt that carries the work,

.down to form the verticalportion I09 mediate or neutral position of height in which they are held mechanically in a manner to :be described later. When the spindles 49, 50 are in this intermediate position their couplingmembars 63 and 04 are out of contact with the upper counter coupling members Elias well as with the lower counter couplingniembers -II. Upon the solenoid 29'becoming energizediii the'manner described above in coniiection'w'ith Lit raises, by means of its armature '4r4 ,-the beam 46 which carries with it both spindles -49 and 50. Thereby the face gears of thei pper coupling members 63 of -both-spindles 49 and 50 are lifted into engagemcnt with the face gears 61 which are -secured to the upper gears 13 and 18. Since the gear I3 is revolving at three-quarter speed the spindle '49 is rotated at thatthree-quarter speed and since gear I8 is revolving at one-quarter speed,th espindle-50 is rotated at=this one-quarter speed. When the rear end of the sheet to be folded "leaves the finger 14 the solenoid '29 is deenergized, permitting the armature "44 with I all the parts carriedtherebytodrop under the action of gravity. This brings the ifacegears 69 of the lower coupling members "64 of both spindles 49, 50 'into engagement with the corresponding face gears attached "to thelower gears and 19. Since these gears 15 and T9 are revolving at the full speed" both spindles '49 and 50 are now driven at that ifull speed.

From the foregoing 'it will be seen that the spindles '49 and 50 move inunison iromthe intermediate or neutral positions =01 height to an upper 'endpositionas well as from this upper position toa lower end position. Phe movement from the lower end position to the intermediate or neutral position, howeventakes place independently for the twospindles 49 and 50, as will be describedin detail later on.

The spindle 49 carries near its lower end an arm 94 and asimilar arm-95 is secured'to the lower end'of-spindle 60. When the spindles 49 and '50 are 'in "their jintermediate position of "height, shown inFigA, the arms 94 and '95 each rest on a cradle-shapedend-portion 96 of aresilient member "91 the other end of which is secured'to a bracket "I00. This-bracket-comprises an upper plate 98 whichby means ofga clamp-bolt '99 is secured to thebase plate 4| of the machine. .A-spacer 98 isplaced between-plate9B and plate '4I and heldin place .by'the same'bolt 99. Confining the description'for themomenttothe parts cooperating with the spindle 49,*the nature and arrangement of the parts cooperating with the spindle 50 beingthe same, it will be seenthat in the plate 98 there is provided-ahole I01 for the passage of the sleeve 55 surroundingthespindle 49 and also a slot I02 through which the clampbolt 99 extends. This arrangement allows adjustment of the bracket I00 about the axis of-the spindle 49. A vertical leg I03 and alower'horizontal leg I04 of thebracket I00 are of smaller width than the upper plate 98. Theportions109 and I04 of the bracket I-00'may be formed in one piece with the upper-plate 9,8, such'as'by bending the whole bracket'from a flat plate which before the bending has the outline shown in Fig. ,7. That part ofthe plate which is intended to provide the porti0ns103and I04 is shown in dotted lines. This dotted part of, theplate'is first bent and'then the .end portion is bent forwardly to form. the

.portion I04.

98 of the bracket I00, such as by rivets I05, and extends beyond the width of that plate atone side thereof so that a vertical leg 1:91 extends at a distance from the bracket I100 down to a point below the lower horizontal leg I04.oi the bracket I00. A portion I06 extending upwardly and forwardly connects the vertical .leg I91 of the resilient member 91 with the cradle-shaped end portion 96 thereof, the latter normally contacting the lower inner edge of the leg 104 of the bracket.

'The arm 94 has for its purpose to actuate one of the folding devices II, I2 when the spindle 49 carrying the arm :94 has travelled from its initial angular position it assumes when the spindle 49 is in the neutral .or intermediate position of height to another fixed .radial position. This second fixed radial position is determined bya pin I01 (Fig. 2) which is carried by a rock shaft 108 supported at one end in a downwardly extending'leg 41 of the base plate 4| and near its'other end in a downwardly extending .wall I09 secured to said base plate 4|. A spring I40 anchored in the wall I09 tends to keep the rock shaft 108 in, or return .it .to, the radial position in which the pin I301 extends vertically. As .will be seen from Fig. 5 there are two such rock shafts, the shaft I08 and another shaft I08. The shaft .108 carries :three pins I01 and the shaft I09 three pins 407 so that there is a separate pin for each of the spindles 49, '50,.5I, 52, 53 and 54.

In the course of a complete revolutionof :the spindle 49 the arm 94 connected to that spindle will engage its coordinated pin I01 on shaft I08 at a particular point of this complete revolution, provided the-spindle is 'in its lower .end position, .whereas the arm:;carried by spindlefifl willengage its coordinated pin Hi1 on shaft I08 upon reaching a predetermined angular position in the course :of its revolution, which at this time is taking place independently of the spindle .49. When .the arm 94 strikes the pin IIlI the rec shaft I08 is rocked and engagement of the pin TIM .by the arm 95 rocks .the rock shaft I08.

, Therocking of the-shaft IGSmaybe-used to close a :circuit which operates the folding device II, whereas rocking of theshaft I08 causes closing or 'a circuit which operates device I2.

The angular'distance existingbetween the arm 94 on the spindle .49 in the position of rest of ;-the latteriandthe pin I01 on the rockshaft I08 rasiwell aslthe. corresponding angular distance beztweenithe arm 95 onspindle 50 and the'pin I01 :on rock shaft I08 areadjustedor to be adjusted, so that the first named angular distance is proportional to thedistance a in Fig. -l and the sec- 'ond1named angular distance to the distance 1). Let itbe assumed for the purposeof-explanation that-the length L'of the piece I3 tobe acted upon :bythe locating or folding devices II and I2 be infinitestimal,-then-this-piece would have to travel the distance a -from'the measuring point I4 to be in position for the first'locating device II to :act and the distance I) for the second locating device l'2=to act. Accordingly, the device is to be so-adjusted-thatthe arm94, travelling-at;ful1 speedwould reach thepin -I0'I when a piece of infinitesimal length would have-passed from the measuring finger I4 under the locatororfolder I I i andso thatthe arm "95, travelling atthe same full speed, would-reach the pin I01 when the piece would have arrived underthe locator or folder 12. Of course,'the piece I3 always has a flnite'length and this 'makes it necessary to slow downthetravellingspeed of thearms;94 and while the piece I3 is passing the measuring point I4. When thus slowed down the speeds of arms 94 and 95 are as c to d, if the two locating or folding devices II and I2 are to act on the points C and D, as has been explained above in connection with Fig. 1.

Where, as in the example shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 9, the diameter of the gear 853 is chosen 75 per cent and the diameter of the gear 9| 25 per the gear 81, the two conper cent and '75 per cent respectively. Thus, the spindles 40 and 59 rotate each at a fixed and different slower rate of speed, While the piece I3 is passing the point i4, than they do thereafter. In this manner the time at which the arm 94 reaches the pin I01 is delayed so that the portion L of the piece has passed. beyond the locating or folding device II just when the arm 94 hits the pin I01. Similarly, the time when the arm 95 hits the coordinated pin I01 is delayed sufficiently so that at this time the portion dL of the length L of the piece I2 has passed beyond the locating or folding device I2.

Fig. 6 shows by way of example a micro-switch arrangement which may be used for actuating the folding devices II and I2 in succession. The rock shaft I 08 carries a crank arm II 0 and the rock shaft I08 a crank arm III. Crank arm H0 actuates micro-switch H6 belonging to a circuit operating coil I I of the folding device I I, whereas a switch I I1 coordinated to the ing device I 2 is actuated by the crank arm III. It will be obvious that instead of two separate micro-switches, each operated by one of the two rock shafts 408 and I08, one micro-switch may be used which is common to both rock shafts and is operated twice in succession to actuate first the folding device I I and then the folding device I 2. The micro-switch arrangement just described in connection with coils II and I2 of Fig. 1 will act in analogous manner when used in connection with the coils I I and I2 of Fig. 1a opening the folding knife I20.

The operation of the machine is as follows:

Let it be assumed that the cam disks 33, 94 35 are in such a position that the switch 26 is closed by the cam 33, whereas the switches 21 and 2B are open. The spindles 49 and. 50 are in their intermediate position of height with their arms 94 and 95 resting in the cradle-shaped end portion 96 of the respective coordinated resilient members 91.

When the front end of a sheet I3 placed on the right end of the conveyer belt I0 reaches the finger I 4 it depresses this finger so that the switch element I9 is removed from contact 20 and makes contact at 2I. This closes the circuit for the solenoid 29 and the latter attracts its armature 44 elevating thereby the beam 46 together with both spindles 49 and 50 into their upper position. Thereby the spindle 49 is coupled with the gear '13 and the spindle 50 with the gear 18. Both spindles 49 and 50 start revolving, the spindle 49 at the rate of the gear 13, which in the example shown is three-quarters of the full speed, and the spindle 50 at the speed of the gear 18 which is one quarter of the full speed. Both spindles 49 and 50 keep on'revolving until the rear end of the sheet I3 leaves the finger I 4. During the time the sheet I3 is passing over the finger I4 the two spindles 49, 50 carry around their arms 94 and 95, respectively, for unequal fractions of a full revolution. While the absolute amounts of the angular displacements of the two arms 94 and 95 coil I2 0f folddepend on the length of the particular sheet passing over the finger I4, these two angular displacements always maintain the same ratio to each other, in the structural embodiment shown the ratio 3:1. To give an example: If in the position of rest the angular distance between the arm 94 and the coordinated pin I01 on rock shaft I08 is 270 and the angular distance between the arm 95 and the coordinated pin I01 on shaft I08 is likewise 270, and the sheet l3 to be folded is of such length that the rear end of this sheet leaves the finger I4 when the arm 94 has travelled 180 from its starting position, then, at the same time, the arm 95 has only travelled 60. Thus, to meet the pin I01, the arm 94 has to travel another whereas the arm must travel another 210 to meet the pin I01. It is when the arms 94 and 95 are at these different angular positions, and 60, respectively, away from the starting point, that the finger I4 is released by the sheet I3 and the switch element I9 moves from contact 2I to contact 20, breaking the circuit for the solenoid 29 and closing the circuit for the solenoid 39. The solenoid 29, being thus deenergized, loses its hold upon the two spindles 49 and 50 and since the arms 94 and 95 during the just described first phase of the rotation of the spindles 49 and 50 have been turned into a position outside of the range of the brakets I00 and the springs 91, both spindles 49 and 50 drop right down into their lowest position in which they are in engagement with the face gears 10 of the coordinated lower countercoupling members 1I. These members 1I being driven both at full speed by the two drives 15 and 19, respectively, both spindles 49 and 50 are put into rotation at equal speed, speed. Since the spindle 49 starts this rotation at full speed at a point 180 away from the starting point, and the pin I01 is 270 away from the starting point, spindle 49 has to carry out a rotation of 90 until it meets the pin I01. Spindle 50, on the other hand, must cover an angular distance of 210 from the point where it starts its full speed rotational movement (60 away from the original starting point) before it reaches its coordinated pin I 01' (270 away from the original starting point). In view of this difference in the angular distance the arms 94 and 95 have to cover at the same rotational speed, arm 94 will meet its pin I01 earlier than arm 95 will hit its pin I 91, both pins I 01 and I01 extending into the respective paths of the arms 94 and 95 while the spindles 49 and 50 revolve in their lowermost position. Thus, when arm 94 reaches the angular plane in which the pin I01 stands ready to be met by this arm, it will tilt pin I01 and thereby rock the rock shaft I08. The crank arm or lever III) on shaft I09 is thereby moved so as to close a circuit through the micro-switch II6 to energize the coil II in Fig. l or to coil II" in Fig. 1a for making the first fold. Similarly, when arm 9.5 reaches pin I01 the rock shaft I 09 will be rocked and micro-switch II1 closed to energize coil I2 in Fig. 1 or coil I2 in Fig. la for making the second fold.

When the spindles 49 and 50, together with their arms 94 and 95, have moved far enough from their starting position to rock their coordinated rock shafts they have served their timing function. They must, however, move on until each of these spindles has tion in order to be ready for their next timing asthe point of contact with its coordinated pin I01 the arm 94 or 95 which is travelling along its depressed path 250 in Fig. 8 enters the space between the lower side of the horizontal portion I04 and the upper side of the portion I06 of the resilient member I91. This forces the portion I06 downward and the arm 94 continues to travel horizontally until it has passed the front edge of the portion I04 of the bracket I00. Thus the gear 64 keeps in engagement with the lower driving clutch 1| until the edge I04 is passed when the spring I06 moves the spindle 49 upwards instantaneously to the neutral level 25I which corresponds to the position of the spindle shown in Fig. 4.

The elevation of the spindle 49, by its arm 94, takes place as soon as the arm 94 reaches its initial angular position. The spindle 50 is not elevated by its arm 95 to its intermediate position until it also has reached its initial angular position. The spindles 49 and 50 are connected to armature 44 through the forced beam 46 so that, during the time interval between the elevation of each spindle the beam 46 is in an assumed inclined position, the end carrying spindle 49 being raised above the level of the pivot 45, whereas the other (left) end of the beam 46 is lowered below 45. When, then, also spindle 50 is pushed upwardly by its coordinated spring 91 the beam 46 is restored to horizontal position.

It will be seen that each spindle is first elevated from its position of rest, where it did not revolve at all, into its upper position where it is rotated at a speed of a fraction of the full speed for a time and an angular distance which is propor tional to the length of the particular sheet to be folded, and that after that measuring phase the spindle drops into its lowest position in which it is rotated at full speed for the balance of a full revolution. At some intermediate point of this second phase of the rotation the arm carried by the spindle causes the making of one of the folds desired, whereupon the spindle rot-ates on for the purpose of reaching again its starting angular position. Having arrived there it is elevated to its intermediate position of height.

From the moment on that the solenoid which. elevated its coordinated pair of spindles from the intermediate position to the upper position becomes deenergized, that is, when the sheet to be folded under the control of that first pair of spindles leaves the measuring finger I4, the further operation of said pair of spindles and the parts co-acting therewith, takes place independently of the circuit of said solenoid. Thus, another of the three solenoids 29, 30, 3I may be put into action and another sheet be measured r1" while the first sheet is still on its way through the folding machine. As has been mentioned before, the release of the finger I4 by the rear end of the sheet which has just been measured breaks the circuit for the lifting solenoid, e. g. 29, and closes the circuit for the sequence relay 39. Energization of the relay 39 causes turning of the ratchet wheel 31 one step with the effect that the switch which was previously closed, in the example described switch 26, is opened and another switch (21) closed, leaving the third switch (28) still open. Thereby the next lifting solenoid (30) becomes pre-conditioned for operation so that it stands ready to elevate its pair of spindles (5| and 52) when the next sheet I3 reaches the finger I4 and thereby closes the circuit for said solenoid 30. There being provided three solenoids 29, 30 and 3I, each forming a part of a timing unit comprising a pair of spindles, it will be obvious that each of these three solenoids 3 measures only every third sheet reaching the measuring point I4 and that there is no practical possibility that one of these solenoids could be called into action while the timing unit belonging to that particular solenoid is still working upon a. previous sheet.

The distances a and b in Fig. 1 determine the maximum length of a sheet the machine can fold for a given folding method and they are preferably chosen so that sheets of the maximum conventional length can be folded. If that maximum length be, for example, 10 ft. and the machine is to make the first fold at the first quarter point and a second fold at the third quarter a point of the length of the sheet, then a distance a of 8 ft. between the measuring point I4 and the folding device I I represents a quite suitable value. How the timing operates in the example men tioned will be explained now under the assumption that the belts I0 carry the sheets to be folded at a speed of 1 ft. per second. To simplify the explanation let it also be assumed that the distances a and b are equal, that is to say, that both folding devices are arranged 8 it. beyond the measuring point I4. It will be remembered that the spindle 49, which controls the first fold, is rotated in its uppermost position at three quarters of the full speed at which it is driven when in its lowest position, whereas the spindle 50, which controls the second fold, is driven in its uppermost position at of the full speed at which it turns when in its lowest position. The full speed, which is the speed of the lower gears 15 and 19, is chosen so that it would take the arm 94 or the arm 95, for moving (counterclockwise) from its starting position to its coordinated pin I01 or I01, when revolving at full speed, the same time as it takes the front end of the sheet to be folded to move from the measuring point I4 to the folding point 8 ft. away from said measuring point. Since the travelling speed of the sheet I3 is 1 ft. per minute, the time just mentioned is 8 seconds. As has been described above, however, the arms 94 and 95 do not travel at full speed during the first phase ofthe rotation of these arms since during this measuring phase the spindles are in engagement with the reduced speed gears 13 and 18. The gear 13 running at only three quarters of the full speed, it will take the arm 94 times as long to cover a certain distance as it would take to cover the same distance under the action of the full speed gear 15. Hence, to cover the angular distance from the starting position of the arm 94 to the location of the pin I01 would take times the: 8 seconds above mentioned, that is 10 /5 seconds. The arm 94 rotates at the three quarter speed only as long as the sheet I3 is passing over the finger I4, which for a sheet of 10 ft. travelling at the speed of 1 ft. per second means 10 seconds. At the expiration of these 10 seconds the rear end of the sheet will have reached the finger I4 so that the scienoid 29 will be deenergized and the spindle 49 will drop into engagement with the full speed gear 15. As this full speed gear needs 8 seconds to cover the full angular distance from the starting point to the pin I01, it covers of this angular distance during each second and since in 10 seconds which the sheet was travelling over the finger -I4 the spindle 49 with its arm 94 covcred of the angular distance from the start to pin I01, there are of this angular distance left for being travelled at the rate of i; of said distance per second. This means that it takes another second before the arm 94 hits the pin -13 I! and thereby causes the making of the first fold. Therefore, the total time which elapses from the time that the front edge of the sheet I3 reaches the measuring finger I4 and the arm 94 starts to travel until the moment that this arm 94 contacts the pin I0! is seconds. With the sheet travelling at the rate of 1 ft. per second the front end of the sheet has during this time of 10% seconds passed 10 ft. beyond the measuring point I4 and since the first folding device is 8 ft. beyond said measuring point I4 the front edge of the sheet is now 2 ft. beyond the folding device. In other words, exactly 44 of the length of the sheet has passed beyond the folding device when the latter is actuated.

During the 10 seconds it takes the sheet I3 to pass the measuring finger I4 the arm 95 on the spindle 50 travels only /1 the angular distance covered during the same time by the arm 94 on spindle 49. As has been shown tance covered by the arm 94 during the first 10 seconds is 0/ of the angular distance from starting point to pin I ll! and so the angular distance covered during the same time by the arm 94 is of the distance mentioned. Therefore, the distance the spindle 50 has still to travel after the measuring period is of the total angular distance from starting point to pin I91. Since this balance of the rotation is performed at full speed it will take the arm 95 another 5 seconds to reach the pin I01. This makes the total time the arm 95 has to travel from the starting point to the contact with the pin uu' seconds. In 15 seconds the front end of the sheet I3 has travelled 15 2 ft. beyond the measuring point I4 and since the second folding device is arranged 8 ft. beyond that measuring point I4. the front end of the sheet I3 is 7 ft. beyond the folding device. Therefore, the second folding takes place exactly at the point of the sheet.

If the folding done on the principle described in Patent No. 1.607.407, folding at the first quarter point and at the third quarter point will divide the sheet into four equal parts without any further folding operation- With other folding methods folding at the first and the third quarter point may require additional means to make another fold midway between the folds at the two quarter points described and it may be preferable to make the first fold at the half-length point of the sheet and the second fold again midway of the now already once folded sheet. To achieve this. the drive for the spindle 4.9 is to be modified so that the spindle is rotated at one half of the full speed when in its elevated position. With this modification there are again only two folding devices required to fold sheets into four equal parts regardless of the differences in length there might exist between the individual sheets to be folded.

It will be understood that in the example discussed above, where the time the arm 94 rotating at full speed would need to travel from the starting point to the pin I91 was 10 seconds, the greatest length of sheet the machine could fold at the first quarter point is 10 ft. For a distance a equalling 6 ft. the corresponding max imum length would be times said 6 ft., that is, 8 ft. This applies for a rotating speed of the gear 13 of three quarters of the full speed. Where the speed of the gear 13 has another ratio to the speed of the full speed gear I5, such as one half, the distance a is to be multiplied by the reciprocal of that ratio to obtain the maximum sheet length. Thus, for a distancea of 8 ft. a sheet above this disi- Fig. '7 that from the position of 14 up to 16 ft. could be folded, whereas for folding a sheet of 10 ft. length a distance a of 5 ft. would be sufiicient.

Where the distances a and b shown in Fig. 1 are different, this difference can be taken care of by adjusting the position of the starting point of the rotation of either the arm 94 or the arm 95. To perform such an adjustment the clampbolt 99 is loosened and the bracket I carrying the spring member 91 turned the appropriate amount around the respective spindle 49 or as so that the bolt 99 slides in the slot I92. The clamp-bolt 99 is then retightened in the desired. position of the bracket I00. It will be seen from: the parts shown in that figure an adjustment may be made in the clockwise as well as in the anticlockwise direction.

While there is shown in Figs. 1 to 9 of the drawings one particular embodiment of the in.- vention and in Fig. la a modification of one detail thereof; there is desired for it to be understood that this embodiment has. been given by way of example only and that various changes and modifications in the details of the construc tion may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a timer, a spindle displaceable between three difierent axial positions, two end positions and a position intermediate said two end positions, means for holding said spindle in said intermediate axial position in a predetermined angular position of rest, two coupling members carried by said spindle, a driver having a counter coupling member facing one of said coupling members. a second driver having a counter coupling member facing the other of said two coupling members and operating at a speed diiferent from that of the first named driver, means for shifting said spindle from its intermediate axial position into its one end position to bring the one of said two coupling members into engagement with said first named driver, means for terznihating the engagement of the coupling member just mentioned with the counter coupling member on said first named driver after less than a .full revolutionof said spindle to allow the spindle to move from its one axial end position past said intermediate position to the second axial end position wherein the other coupling member is in engagement with the counter coupling member on said second driver, means for restoring the spindle to said intermediate axial position upon said spindle completing a full revolution from said predetermined angular position of rest, actuating means carried by said spindle and apparatus operating means placed at a fixed angular position in the path along which said aotu ating means revolve when said spindle is in said second axial end position.

2. In a timer, a vertical spindle displaceable between three dilferent positions of height, two end positions and a position intermediate said. two end positions, means for supporting spindle in said intermediate position of height in a predetermined angular position of rest, an upper and a lower coupling member spindle, an upper driver having a counter conpling member facing said upper coupling member, a lower driver having a counter coupling member facing said lower coupling member and operating at a speed different from that of the upper driver, means for lifting said spindle from said intermediate position of height into its upcarried by said per end position to bring said upper coupling member into engagement with the counter coupling member on said upper driver, means for terminating the engagement of said upper cou pling member with the counter coupling member on said upper driver after less than a full revolution of said spindle to allow the spindle to drop from its upper end position past the intermediate position to its lower end position wherein said lower coupling member is in engagement with the counter coupling member on said lower driver, means for restoring the spindle to said intermediate position of height upon said spindle completing a full revolution from said angular position of rest, actuating means car ried by said spindle and apparatus operating means placed at a fixed angular position in the path along which said actuating means revolve when said spindle is in its lower end position.

3. In a timer, a vertical spindle displaceable between three different positions of height, two end positions and a position intermediate said two end positions, means for supporting said spindle in said intermediate position of height in a predetermined angular position, means for rotating said spindle at one rate when in its upper end position and at another rate when in its lower end position, electromagnetic means for elevating said spindle from said intermediate position to its upper end position and holding it there, means for terminating the holding action of said elevating and holding means so as to allow said spindle to drop into its lower end position by gravity, and resilient means for mechanically elevating said spindle from said lower end position to said intermediate position upon said spindle having performed a full revolution from said predetermined angular position.

4. In a timer, a vertical spindle displaceable between three different positions of height, two end positions and a position intermediate said two end positions, means for supporting said spindle in said intermediate position of height in a predetermined angular position of rest, an upper and a lower coupling member carried by said spindle, an upper driver having a counter coupling member facing said upper coupling member, a lower driver having a counter coupling member facing said lower coupling member and operating at a speed different from that of the upper driver, electromagnetic means for lifting said spindle from said intermediate position of height into its upper end position to bring said upper coupling member into engagement with the counter coupling member on said upper driver, means for terminating the engagement of said upper coupling member with the counter coupling member on said upper driver after less than a full revolution of said spindle to allow the spindle to drop from its upper end position past the intermediate position to its lower end position wherein said lower coupling member is in engagement with the counter coupling mem ber on said lower driver, and resilient means for mechanically restoring the spindle to said intermediate position of height upon said spindle completing a full revolution from said angular position of rest.

5. A timer for timing the incidence of a locating or folding device upon a sheet carried on a conveyer past said locating or folding device comprising, in combination, a coupling element rotatable about a vertical axis, means for driving said coupling element at a speed proportional to the speed of said conveyer, another coupling element rotatable above the first named coupling element, means for moving the second named coupling element at a speed bearing a fixed ratio to that of the first coupling element, a vertical spindle in the axis of said two coupling elements, means operable by said vertical spindle when in a particular angular position for actuating said locating or folding device, coupling means carried by said spindle adapted to engage either of the previously named coupling elements to change the angular osition of the spindle, means for normally supporting the spindle at a neutral position of height at which said coupling means carried by the spindle are out of engagement with both said coupling elements, a measuring element, means actuatable by the passage of said sheet past said measuring element and adapted to elevate said spindle into engagement with the upper of said coupling elements, means for terminating the engagement of said spindle with the upper coupling element when said sheet leaves said measuring element so as to allow said spindle to fall into engagement with the lower coupling element, and means for lifting the spindle into said neutral position of height upon said spindle having carried out one full revolution from its starting position.

6. A timer for timing the incidence of a locating or folding device upon a sheet carried on a conveyer past said locating or folding device comprising, in combination, a coupling element rotatable about a vertical axis, means for driving said coupling element at a speed proportional to the speed of said conveyer, another coupling element rotatable about the same axis placed above the first named coupling element, means for moving the second named coupling element, means for moving the second named coupling element at a speed bearing a fixed ratio to that of the first coupling element, a vertical spindle in the axis of said two coupling elements, means operable by said vertical spindle when in a particular angular position for actuating said locating or folding device, coupling means carried by said spindle adapted to engage either of the previously named coupling elements to change the angular position of the spindle, means for normally supporting the spindle in a neutral position of height at which said coupling means carried by the spindle are out of engagement with both said coupling elements, a measuring element, electromagnetic means actuatable by the passage of said sheet past said measuring element and adapted to elevate said spindle into engagement with the upper of said coupling elements, switch means for terminating the action of said electromagnetic means upon said spindle when said sheet leaves said measuring element so as to allow said spindle to fall into engagement with the lower coupling element, and resilient means for mechanically lifting the spindle into said neutral position of height upon said spindle having carried out one full revolution from its starting position.

'7. A timer for timing the incidence of a locating or folding device upon a sheet carried on a conveyer past said locating or folding device comprising, in combination, a measuring element, a plurality of identical timing units, each timing unit including a coupling element rotatable about a vertical axis, means for driving said coupling element at a speed proportional to the speed of said conveyer, another coupling element rotatable about the same axis placed above the first named coupling element, means for moving about the same axis placed the second named coupling element at a speed bearing a fixed ratio to that of the first coupling element, a vertical spindle in the axis of said two coupling elements, means operable by said vertical spindle when in a particular angular position for actuating said locating or folding device, coupling means carried by said spindle adapted to engage either of the previously named coupling elements to change the angular position of the spindle, means for normally supporting the spindle in a neutral position of height at which said coupling means carried by the spindle are out of engagement with both said coupling elements, electromagnetic means operable by the passage of said sheet past said measuring element end of a sheet leaves said measuring element so that each time a sheet arrives at said measuring element another one of said electromagnetic means is actuated and the spindle coordinated means is elevated into engagement with its coordinated upper coupling element, and a switch controlling said electromagnetic means for releasing the spindle which had been elevated for falling into engagement with its coordinated lower coupling element when the sheet which actuated said electromagnetic means leaves said measuring element.

8. A timer for timing the incidence of a locating or folding device upon a sheet carried on a conveyer past said locating or folding device comprising, in combination, a measuring element, a plurality of identical timing units, each timing unit including a coupling element rotatable about a vertical axis, means for driving said coupling element at a speed proportional to the sneer of said conveyer, another coupling element rotatable about the same axis placed above the first named coupling element, means for moving the second named coupling element at a speed bearing a fixed ratio tothat of the first coupling element, a vertical spindle in the axis of said two coupling elements, means operable by said vertical spindle when in a particular angu ar position for actuating said locating or folding device, coupling means carried by said spindle adapted to engage either of the previously named coupling elements to change the angular position of the spindle, means for normally supporting the spindle in a neutral position of height at which said coupling means carried by the spindle are out of engagement with both said coupling elements, electromagnetic means operable by the passage of said sheet said measuring element and adapted to elevate said spindle into engagement with the upper of said coupling elements and a switch in the circuit of said electromagnetic means, the pluralityof switches '00- ordinated respectively to the plurality of timing units being controlledby a sequencerelay for closing a different switch and thereby preconditioning for action a dilierent timing unit each time the rear end of a sheet leaves said measuring element so that each time a sheet arrives at such measuring element another one of said electromagnetic means is actuated and the spindle coordinated to that electromagnetic means is elevated into engagement with its cothan a full revolution of said 18- ordinated upper coupling'element, a switch controlling said electromagnetic means for releasing the spindle which had been elevated for falling into engagement with its coordinated lower coupling element when the sheet which actuated said electromagnetic means leaves said measuring element, and resilient means for mechanically lifting said spindle into said neutral position of height upon said spindle having carried out one full revolution from its starting position.

9. A timer for sheet folding machines adapted to fold the sheets more than once, comprising in combination, a number of spindles corresponding to the number of folds to be made, a solenoid common to all said spindles for lifting, when energized, all said spindles simultaneously into an upper end position and to allow all said spindies to drop simultaneously into a lower end position when said solenoid is de-energized, a double-faced gear coupling member secured to each spindle, two counter gear coupling members coordinated to each gear coupling member and situated above and below said coupling member so that said gear coupling member positively engages the teeth of the upper of said counter gear coupling members when in its lifted end position andthe teeth of the lower gear counter coupling member when in its lower end position while being completely out of engagement with either counter coupling member when in a position midway said two end positions, and means for driving said counter coupling members coordinated to each spindle at different rates bearing pre-set ratio to one another, all the lower counter coupling members being driven at rate whereas each of the upper counter coupling members is driven at a different fraction of the rate at which the lower counter coupling members are driven.

ing a counter coupling member per coupling member, a'lower counter coupling member facing pling member and operating at a speed different from that of the upper driver, means for lifting said spindle from said intermediate position of height into its upper end position to bring said upper coupling member into engagement with the counter coupling member on said upper driver, means for terminating the engagement of said upper coupling member with the counter coupling member on said upper driver after less spindle to allow the spindle to drop from its upper end position past the intermediate position to its lower end position wherein said lower coupling member is in engagement with the counter coupling memfacing said updriver having a said lower couthe same 11. In a timer for sheet folding machines having at least one folding device, a vertical spindle displaced between three different positions of height, two end positions and a position inter mediate said two end positions, means for supporting said spindle in said intermediate position of height in a predetermined angular position of rest, an upper and a lower coupling memoer carried by said spindle, an upper driver having a counter coupling member facing said upper coupling member, a lower driver having a counter coupling member facing said lower cou pling member and operating at a speed different from that of the upper driver, means for lifting said spindle from said intermediate position of height into its upper end position to bring said upper coupling member into engagement with the counter coupling member on said upper driver, means for terminating the engagement of said upper coupling member with the counter coup-ling member on said upper driver after less than a full revolution of said spindle to allow the spindle to drop from its upper end position past the intermediate position to its lower end position wherein said lower coupling member is in engagement with the counter coupling member on said lower driver, an arm cured to said spindle adapted to cooperate, when said spindle rotates in its lower end position, with mean for actuating a folding device at a predetermined point of the rotation of said arm so that upon said arm encountering said actuating means the folding device actuated, and a guide element in the path of said arm for moving said spindle from its lower end position to its intermediate position of height, said guide elw ment being shaped so as to provide a cradle for said arm when the spindle assumes said intermediate position.

12. A timer for timing a plurality of locating or folding operations upon a sheet carried on a conveyor, comprising in combination a measuring element, a plurality of sets of identical timunits, each such set having as many timing units as there are locating or folding operations to be performed per sheet and each timing unit including a spindle displaceable between three different axial positions, two end positions and a position intermediate said two end positions, means for holding each spindle in said intermediate axial position in a predetermined angular position of rest, each set of timing units having common electromagnetic means for shifting the spindles belonging to that set of timing units simultaneously from their intermediate axial po sition to their one end position, a switch for each set of timing units in the circuit of each of said electromagnetic means, the plurality of switches being controlled by a sequence relay for closing a different switch thereby preconditioning for action a different set of timing units each time the rear end of a sheet lea es said measuring element so that another one of said electromagnetic means is actuated and the plurality of spindles coordinated to that electromagnetic means is shifted from said intermediate position to said one end position each time a sheet arrives at said measuring element.

13. A timer for sheet folding machines adapted to make more than one fold on each sheet, comprising in combination, a plurality of spindles and a plurality of folding device actuating means both corresponding in number to the number of folds to be made per sheet, means for moving said spindles into one of three different axial 20 positions, two end positions and a middle position, a coupling member secured to each spindle, two counter coupling members coordinated to each coupling member, said coupling member positively engaging one of said counter coupling members when in its one end position and the other counter coupling member when in its other end position while being completely out of engagement with either counter coupling member when in its middle position, and means for driving said counter coupling members coordinated to each spindle at different rates bearing a preset ratio to one another, said ratio being different for each spindle, as many rock shafts as folds are to be made per sheet, each rock shaft cooperating with means for closing a circuit controlling one of the folding device actuating means when said rock shaft is rocked, at least one abutment on each said rock shaft, and an arm secured to each spindle for causing rocking of the coordinated rocl: shaft when said arm encounters an abutment on said rool; shaft.

14. A timer for sheet folding machines adapted to fold the sheets more than once, comprising in combination, a plurality of spindles and a plurality of folding device actuating means, both corresponding in number to the number of folds to be made per sheet, means for moving said spindles axially into one of three different positions, two end positions and a middle position, a coupling member secured to each spindle, two counter coupling members coordinated to each coupling member, said coupling member positively engaging one of said counter coupling memhere when in its one end position and the other counter coupling member when in its other end position while being completely out of engagement with either counter coupling member when in its middle position, means for driving said counter coupling members coordinated to each spindle at different rates bearing a pre-set ratio to one another, said ratio being different for each spindle, as many rock shafts as there are folds to be made per sheet, each rock shaft cooperating with means for closing a circuit controlling one of said folding device actuating means when said rock shaft is rocked, an abutment on each rock shaft, an arm secured to each spindle for causing rocking of the coordinated rock shaft when said arm encounters said abutment on said rock shaft while the coordinated spindle rotates in its lower end position, and a guide element in the path of each of said arms for moving the coordinated spindle into its middle position, said guide element being shaped. so as to provide a cradle for said arm when the spindle assumes said middle position.

15. A timer for sheet folding machines adapted to fold sheets more than once, comprising in combination, a measuring element, a plurality of sets of identical timing units, each such set having as many timing units as there are folds to be made per sheet, each timing unit including a spindle displaceable between three different axial positions, two end positions and a position intermediate said two end positions, means for holding each spindle in said intermediate axial position in a predetermined angular position of rest, each set of timing units having electromagnetic means for shifting all the spindles belonging to that set simultaneously from their intermediate axial position to their one end position, a switch for each set of timing unitsin the circuit of each of said electromagnetic means, the plurality of switches being controlled by a sequence relay for closing a different switch and thereby preconditioning for action a different set of timins units each time the rear end of a sheet leaves said measuring element so that another one of said electromagnetic means is actuated and the plurality of spindles coordinated to that electromagnetic means is shifted from said intermediate position to said one end position each time a sheet arrives at said measuring element, as many rock shafts and as many folding device actuating means as there are sets of timing units, each rock shaft cooperating with means for closing a circuit controlling one of the folding device actuating means when said rock shaft is rocked, abutments on each said rock shaft, and an arm secured to each spindle for causing rocking of the coordinated rock shaft when said arm encounters an abutment on said rock shaft while the coordinated spindle rotates in its second end position.

16. A timer for sheet fol-ding machines adapted to fold sheets more than once, comprising in combination, a measuring element, a plurality of sets of identical timing units, eachsuch set having as many timing units as there are folds to be made per sheet, each timing unit including a spindle displaceahle between three different axial positions, two end positions and a position intermediate said two end positions, means for holding each spindle in said intermediate aixal position in a predetermined angular position of rest, each set of timing units having electromagnetic means for shifting the spindles belonging to that set of timing units simultaneously from their intermediate axial position to their one end position upon a sheet arriving at said measuring element, a switch for each set of timing units in the circuit of each of said electromagnetic means operative to de-energize said electromagnetic means upon the rear end of the sheet which caused the energization of said electromagnetic means leaving said measuring element so as to allow the spindle of the coordinated set of timing units to assume their other axial end position, the plurality of switches being controlled-by a sequence relay for closing a different switch and thereby preconditioning for action a different set of timingunits each time the rear end'of a sheet leaves said measuring element so that another one of said electromagnetic means is actuated and the plurality of spindles coordinated to that electromagnetic means is shifted from said intermediate position to said one end position each time a sheet arrives at said measuring element, as many rock shafts and as manyfolding device actuating means as there each rock shaft cooperating with meansfor c105; ing a circuitcontrolling one of the folding, device actuatingmeans when said rock shaftis rocked, abutments on each saidrock shaft, and an arm secured to each spindle for causing rocking of the coordinated rock shaft when said arm encounters an abutment on saidrock'shaft while the coordinated spindle rotates in itssecond end position, and a guide element in the part of each of said arms for moving the coordinated spindle into its intermediate" position. I

17. A timer for sheet folding machines adapted to fold sheets more than once, comprising in combination, a measuring element, a plurality of sets of identical'timing units, each such set having as many timing units asthere arefolds to be made'per sheet, eachtiming,unit'including" a vertical spindle displaceable between three different positions of height, two end positionsand are sets of timing'units, I I

ringer to release said selector tinuously rotating "sition with the finger ie first-end position on the a position intermediate said two end positions, means for supporting each spindle in said intermediate position of height in a predetermined angular position of rest, each set of timing units having electromagnetic means for lifting the spindles belonging to that set of timing units simultaneously from their intermediate position to their upper end position upon a sheet arriving at said measuring element, a switch for each set of timing units in the circuit of each of said electromagnetic means operative to de-energize said electromagnetic means upon the rear end of the sheet which caused the energization of said electromagnetic means leaving said measuring element, so as to allow the spindle of the coordinated set of timing units to drop into their lower end position, the plurality of switches being controlled by a sequence relay for closing a different switch and thereby preconditioning for action a different set of timing units each time the rear end of a sheet leaves said measuring element so that another one of said electromagnetic means is actuated and the plurality of spindles coordinated to that electromagnetic means is lifted from said intermediate position to said one end position each time a sheet arrives at said measuring element, as many rock shafts and as many folding device actuating means as there are sets of timing units, each rock shaft cooperating with means for closing a circuit controlling one of the folding device actuating means when said rock shaft is rocked, an abutment on each said secured to each spindle for causing rocking of the coordinated rock shaft when said arm encounters said abutment on said rock shaft while the coordinated spindle rotates in its lower end position, and a guide element in the .path of each of said arms for moving the coordinated spindle into its intermediate position, said guide element being shaped so as to provide a cradle for said arm when the spindle assumes said intermediate position.

18. In a folding device for sheets, in combination, a number of measuring devices each adapted to measure the length of a passing sheet, a solenoid'for each measuring device to put it into action, a normally elevated measuring finger depressed while a sheet is passing, means for pass ing the sheet over the measuring finger, a normallyepen switch closed by the depression of the finger, circuits from said switch to each of said solenoids, a switch in each of said circuits, a selector device to close one of said last named switches and open all the rest, a solenoid operated,

stepper to move the selector device, a normally closed switchlopened by the depression of the solenoid so that upon the passage of the end of the sheet the stepper solenoid will again be energized to put another measuring device in position to measure the next sheet to pass over the finger.

19. In a device which correlates the actuation of a mechanism with the spacing and size of the pieces fed to the mechanism, a spindle assembly axially displaceable between a first-end and an intermediate position and a second-end position, a finger projecting from said spindle; means for holding said spindle in its intermediate axial poin a predetermined angular position, means to move the spindle assembly to arrival of the front end of one of said pieces at a given point, a condriving' element engaged by the spindle assembly when the spindle is thus moved to its first-end position to turn the spindle when it is allowed to at one rate, means to move the spindle assembly to the second-end position on the arrival of the rear end of said piece at the same given point, a second driving element continuously rotatingv at another speed engaged by the spindle assembly when it is thus moved to its second-end position, a device controlling the actuation of said mechanism engaged by said finger after the finger has travelled through a preset arc.

29. In a device which correlates the actuation of a mechanism with the spacing and size of the pieces fed to the mechanism, a spindle assembly axially displaceable between a first-end and an intermediate position and a second-end position, a finger projecting from said spindle, means for holding said spindle in its intermediate axial position with the finger in a predetermined angular position, means to move the spindle assembly to the first-end position on the arrival of the front end of one of said pieces at a given point, a con,- tinuously rotating driving element engaged by the spindle assembly when the spindle is thus moved to its first-end position to turn the spindle at one rate, means to move the spindle assembly to the second-end position on the arrival of the rear end of said piece at the same given point, a second driving element continuously rotating at another speed engaged by the spindle assembly when it is thus moved to its second-end position, a device controlling the actuation of said mechanism engaged by said finger after the finger has travelled through a preset arc, and a resetting device engaged by the finger after it has passed the actuating device which resets the spindle assembly in its intermediate position of rest with the finger in its original predetermined angular position. 21. In a device which correlates the actuation of a mechanism with the spacing and size of the pieces fed to the mechanism, a vertical spindle assembly axially displaceable between an upper and an intermediate position and a lower posi tion, a finger projecting from said spindle, means for holding said spindle in its intermediate axial position with the finger in a predetermined angular position, means to elevate the spindle assembly to its upper position during the passage of one of said pieces past a given point, a continuously rotating driving element engaged by the spindle assembly when the hold in its elevated position to turn the spindle at one rate, a second driving element continuously rotating at another speed engaged by the spindle assembly when it is allowed to fall from its upper to its lower position after said piece has passed the given point, a device controlling the actuation of said mechanism engaged by said finger after the finger has travelled through a preset arc.

22. In a device which correlates the. actuation of a mechanism with the spacing and size of the pieces fed to the mechanism, a vertical spindle assembly axially displaceable between an upper and an intermediate position and a lower position, a finger projecting from said spindle, means for holding said spindle in its intermediate axial position with the finger in predetermined angular position, means to elevate the spindle assembly to its upper position during the passage of one of said pieces past a given point, a continuously rotating driving element engaged by the spinclle'assembly when the spindle is thus held in its elevated position to turn the spindle at one rate, a second driving element continuously rotating at another speed engaged by the spindle assembly fall from its upper to its spindle is thus r lower position after said piece has passed the given point, a device controlling the actuation of said mechanism engaged by said finger after the finger has travelled through a preset arc, and a resetting device engaged by the finger after it has passed the actuating device which elevates the spindle assembly to its intermediate position of rest with the finger in its original predetermined angular position.

23. In a device which correlates the actuation of a mechanism with the spacing and size of the pieces fed to the mechanism, a vertical spindle axially displaceable between an upper and an intermediate and a lower position, an upper and a lower coupling member carried by said spindle, a finger projecting from the lower part oi said. spindle, means for holding said spindle in its intermediate axial position with the finger in a predetermined angular position, means adapted to elevate the spindle to its upper position .durs ing the passage of one of said pieces past a given point, a continuously rotating driving element having a coupling member engaged by the upper coupling member on the spindle when the spindle is thus held in its elevated position to turn the spindle at one rate, a second driving element having a coupling member continuously rotating at another speed which is engaged by the lower coupling member on the spindle when the spindle is allowed to fall from its upper to its lower position after said piece has passed a given point, a device controlling the actuation of said mechanism engaged by said finger after a rotation of the spindle has carried the finger through a preset arc, and a resetting device engaged by the finger after it has passed the actuating device and completed one full revolution to elevate the spindle to its intermediate position of rest with the finger in its original predetermined angular position. i

24. A timer for making several successive folds in a sheet passing through a folding machine, comprising in combination, a plurality of spindles, means for simultaneously shifting said spindles axially from their intermediate positions to an end position, a plurality of driving members each running at a difierent speed and each spindle in its end position engaging one of said driving members, means for simultaneously shifting all ofsaid spindles axially to a second end position, a second group of driving members each operating at a different speed and each one of said driving elements being engaged by one of said spindles when it moves into its second end position, a finger carried by each of said spindles and originally oriented in a fixed angular position when the spindle is in its intermediate position, a plurality of devices each of which is adapted to actuate one of said folding means when the finger in whose paththe particular device is placed has passed through a preset angle, and means for moving each spindle back to its intermediate position with the finger oriented upon completion of one revolution by that spindle.

25. A timer for making several successive folds in a sheet passing through a folding machine, comprising in combination, a plurality of vertical spindles, means for simultaneously elevating said spindles axially from their intermediate positions to their upper positions, a plurality of driving members each running at a difierent speed and each spindle in its elevated position engaging one of said driving members, means for simultaneously letting all of said spindles drop to their lower positions, a second group of driving memto actuate one of said folding means when the finger in whose path the particular device is placed has passed through a preset angle, and means for elevating each spindle to its interthe finger oriented upon completion of one revolution of that spindle.

26. A controller for a folding machine of the type adapted to fold articles of unknown length following in close succession into predetermined fractional folds; comprising a plurality of timing mechanisms each having a movable member operable at a speed corresponding to full speed of the folder and another member movable at a fractional speed, means for actuating one of said timing mechanisms at said fractional speed during passage of an article to be folded past a predetermined point and at said full speed thereafter whereby said article and its fractional portion for folding are measured by said timing mechanism, means cooperable with any one of said timing mechanisms for actuating the folder when articles to be folded are in proper position, and a selector mechanism mounted to be unrestricted in its operation by the movement of said movable members for determining which of said timing mechanisms shall be actuated on passage of a particular article to be folded.

27. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path at a selected speed, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measurhaving a movable member operable at a speed proportional to the selected speed and another member movable at a speed that is a fractional speed of the selected speed, said members being operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause actuation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, movable selector means mounted to be unrestricted in operation by the movement of said movable members, said selector means being controlled by said trip device and operatively connected to said measuring units and adapted by its movement and in cooperation with said trip device to first cause one of said measuring units to operate at said fractional speed to measure an article and then to cause said one of said measuring units to operate at the selected speed and effect actuation of said operating means, and a controller also sensitive to travel of an article along said path for determining which of said units becomes operative upon operating movement of said selector means in response to the next following article.

28. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path at a selected speed, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each having a movable member operable at a speed proportional to the selected speed and another member movable at a fractional speed of the selected speed, said member being operatively associated with said operating means 26 to control and cause trip device cooperating therewith and so located speed and effect actuation of said operating means to perform an operation, each of said units including means for causing separate actuations of said operating means at different points spaced apart upon the article.

29. In apparatus of the type in which operating bers by the other to measure at least a portion of an article, said driven member when rotated being operatively associated with said operating of said units becomes operative upon operating movement of said selector means in response to the next following article.

30. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each having at least two relatively axially movable rotatable members adapted by their axial movement to be engaged for rotating one of measuring units cooperation with to first cause one of said measuring units to measure an article and cause actua tion of said operating means to perform an each of said units including means at different points spaced apart upon article.

31. A controller for a folder operable at a selected speed of the type adapted to fold articles of unknown length following in close succession into predetermined fractional folds; comprising a plurality of timing mechanisms each having a movable member operable at a speed corresponding to the selected speed of the folder and another member movable at a speed corresponding to a fractional speed, means within said timing mechanism driven alternately by said movable members first at the fractional speed during passage of an article to be folded past a predetermined point and at the selected speed thereafter whereby said article and its fractional portion for folding are measured by said timing mechanism, means for actuating the folder when the article to be folded is in proper position, a selector mechanism mounted to be unrestricted in its operation by the movement of said movable members for determining which of said timing mechanisms shall be actuated on passage of a particular article to be folded, and article responsive means for stepping said selector mechanism to accomplish sequential operation of the timing mechanisms. v h

32. A controller for a folding machine movable at a selected speed of the type adapted to fold articles of unknown length following in close succession into predetermined fractional folds and including a folding device for performing a folding operation upon an article; comprising a plurality of timing mechanisms each operable at a proportional speed of the selected speed of the folding machine at one time and at another time at a fractional speed of the proportional speed, means for actuating one of said timin mechanisms at the fractional speed during passage of an article to be folded past a pr'edete'rm'inedjpoint whereby said article and its fractional portion for folding are measured by said timing mechanism, means cooperable with said timing mecha- 'nism when mov'ng at the proportional s eed for actuating said folding device when the article to be folded is in pro er position, a selector mechanism mounted to be unrestricted in its operation by the movement of said timing mechanisms for determining which of said timing mechanisms shall be actuated on passage or a particular article to be folded, and article responsive means for stepping said selector mechanism to accom- 'plish sequential operation of the timing mechanisms. I

ESTHER KAGAN. ZENA s. KAGAN, Heirs of the estate of Benjamin S. Kagrm, de-

ceased.

No references cited. 

